Washington Wrap-up

Posted on:3/1/1996

The Government Relations Committee is supported by the National Association of Metal Finishers, The Metal Finishing Suppliers' Association and the American Electroplaters and Surface Finishers Society.

The Government Relations Committee is supported by the National Association of Metal Finishers, The Metal Finishing Suppliers' Association and the American Electroplaters and Surface Finishers Society. It works as a liaison between the associations and their lobbying organizations and government representatives.

Recently, the Government Relations Staff sent out a memo on what has been happening in Washington with certain issues. The industry has been active in the current debate on the Clean Water Act Reauthorization. Industry involvement resulted in passage of House Rule 961 in May, 1995, and efforts continue to have the Senate pass a similar bill.

Superfund Reform is among the top items on the congressional agenda for the coming year. House Rule 2500 reflects many of the principles supported by the industry, particularly in cleanup standards. However, changes that repeal retroactive liability at multi-party sites are expected and welcomed.

Some representatives have drafted a narrow bill that makes technical corrections to the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990. Issues addressed may include reforms to vehicle inspection maintenance, employee trip reductions, Title V permitting and enhanced or compliance assurance. NAMF has signed an industry letter supporting the legislation.

The NAMF has endorsed H.R. 2335, a limited bill to amend the Solid Waste Disposal Act to exempt materials reused in industrial processes from the definition of solid waste. The House is expected to vote on this in Spring 1996.

Industry is preparing comments on Phase I of the Metal Products and Machinery Effluent Guidelines Proposal (MP&M). Many major industries (aerospace, electronics) and companies provided comments and financial assistance in preparing this commentary. The EPA is considering combining MP&M Phase I and Phase II, which would mean that the rule would take longer to complete.

In mid-December 1995, EPA, under pressure from Government Relations, published a five-year deferral and proposal to permanently exempt decorative chromium electroplaters from Clean Air Act Title Vpermitting requirements.

OSHA is considering lowering the chromium permissible exposure limit (PEL) from 100 mg/cu meter to 0.5 to 1 mg/cu meter. Government Relations is working with the Chrome Coalition to develop a response strategy.

In addition to funding from the Associations, the Government Relations Committee also needs your input and support: supplying data, writing to your representatives, attending hearings, letting the Government Relations Committee know your position on issues. Contact Bill Sonntag or Victoria Shaw at 202-333-2424.

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